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Training for High-Demand Certifications Now Available at No Cost to Young Adults in Palm Beach County

May 7, 2019 | Delray Beach, FL

Delray Beach, Fla. (May 7, 2019)– Eligible young adults between the ages of 18-24 years-old can receive training for high-demand certifications at no cost in Palm Beach County through a new program. This program is offered through a new partnership between Eckerd Connects and CareerSource Palm Beach County with training certifications in hospitality, customer service, warehouse, construction and other popular industries.

“These certifications will open the door to rewarding jobs and a career path in high-demand industries in Palm Beach County,” said Steve Craig, president and CEO of CareerSource Palm Beach County, the nonprofit organization chartered by the state to lead workforce development in Palm Beach County.

“We want to be part of the talent pipeline solution for Delray and Boynton Beaches,” said Shellonda Rucker, Florida Operations Director for Eckerd Connects Workforce Development. “Recent high school graduates or even young adults who are no longer enrolled in school can earn certifications in popular industries to support themselves and give them a start to rewarding careers.”

To participate in the program, participants must be out of school, 18-24 years-old and reside in one of the following zip codes: 33426, 33435, 33444, 33445, and 33446. The training will be held at Delray Full Service Center (301 SW 14thAvenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33444) and is offered year-round, however applications for a new training class starts on May 13, 2019, with 30 openings available to those who qualify. An open house is scheduled for May 29, 2019.

The deadline to apply is June 30, 2019. Those interested in applying can do so online at: Eckerd.org/PalmBeachWorks.

Eckerd Connects is also seeking to partner with local businesses in Delray and Boynton Beaches to host interns, for up to six weeks. Eckerd will cover the wages at $9.25 per hour for up to 30 hours per week and the taxes and fees. “We want to encourage businesses to hire local, young talent and give them a no-cost and low-risk opportunity to train these young interns, on the necessary technical and foundational skills needed to retain employment in their line of business,” said Rucker.

During the past five program years, CareerSource Palm Beach County assisted more than 92,000 area residents find employment ranging from entry level to executive suite, with salaries from these jobs creating $2.1 billion in annual average wages. CareerSource also has awarded $13 million in grants to area businesses and employees for training and educational assistance during that time.

Eckerd Connects Workforce Development currently offers workforce development services to workforce boards to assist adults, dislocated workers and out-of-school youth ages 16-24-years-old in California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and the District of Columbia. Services provided include career coaching, work experience, occupational skills training, high school equivalency training, supportive services and community linkages to address barriers to success.